Albany school gets national award

October 12, 2006

Albany --A south Georgia middle school is recognized for academic excellence, among the best in the country. Dougherty County's Robert Cross Middle Magnet School is one of 281 schools nationwide named a 2006 No Child Left Behind National Blue Ribbon School.

Teachers and students say the honor is well-deserved.

Teachers at Robert A. Cross Middle Magnet school say a hands-on approach helps students be top notch. But there's another group of older mentors who make the students here among the best nationwide.

"Without our parents' support, our children cannot achieve. When we have parents behind us, then as a teacher it helps us to be more effective in the classroom," said Jacqueline Floyd.

Students in this classroom say Jacqueline Floyd's teaching methods help them grasp new material.

"She actually talks to you, and tries to teach you. She actually tries to relate it to something in your life," said girl student.

But it's more than teaching academics that leads to these students' success. Manners are also taught at this school.

Inside Jan Lockhart's 6th grade math class, add in students who raise their hands and politely stand up to answer questions.

"LCM stands for what Miss Kelsey?" asked Jan Lockhart.

"Least Common Multiple," responded the student as she stood up.

Blurting out answers at the magnet school is a no-no.

"It teaches them discipline, which is a big part of being successful in school," said Jan Lockhart.

Both students and faculty feel that success now as their school is recognized by the US Department of Education.

"It's one of the best in the state, and I think it's a really good school," said Chandler Davis.

"I'm just elated and again it is well-deserved," said Floyd.

Well-deserved for the hard work of students, teachers, faculty, and the parents and guardians who continue the learning process outside of school.

Judging criteria included entrance test and CRCT scores, discipline, and grades of the more than 600 students enrolled at the school.